Maher names squad for EuroBasket campaign

TOM Maher has stamped his authority on his Great Britain side but cutting lose veteran Rosalee Mason when naming his squad for the forthcoming EuroBasket qualifiers.

TASKMASTER: Tom Maher has stamped his authority on the GB squad as he gears up for his first major campaign in the hot-seat (Getty Images)

Maher took the reins of Great Britain last May and arrived with one of the biggest reputations in women's basketball.

He steered Australia to bronze in Atlanta and silver in Sydney and helped New Zealand to a best-ever finish of eighth in Athens.

But his greatest achievement came last year, taking hosts China - who didn't previously have a developed women's basketball programme - to fourth in Beijing.

Last year he led a youthful side to a top six finish at the World University Games but the EuroBasket campaign marks the Australian's first major campaign in the hot-seat.

And he has shown no mercy in disposing of Mason and Stephanie Gandy, a latecomer to the international scene but a seasoned athlete in the domestic leagues.

Maher said: "It has been extremely difficult to select the final 14 players who will see us through the test games against Portugal, Belgium, Holland and Israel and the EuroBasket qualifying campaign.

"I would like to thank Rosalee and Stephanie for their commitment to the GB cause this summer, but a couple of players had to miss out. 

"We think we have selected a balanced roster in terms of experience and youth whilst also ensuring we have good cover in all positions.

"We welcome Natalie and Rachael to the GB team. They have been on our radar for a while and we feel now is the correct time to introduce them to the roster."  

Added to the squad are Natalie Stafford and Rachael Vanderwal while four of the World University Games squad - Johannah Leedham, Rose Anderson, Chantelle Handy and Azania Stewart - are also included.

Great Britain begin their campaign this weekend in Surrey when they entertain Portugal.

Go to next page to see the full squad